Structure of the US Immigration System

Multiple federal agencies are responsible for managing various functions within the U.S. immigration system.

In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created and charged with the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) ceased to exist and its previous duties were transferred to and divided between three agencies under DHS authority:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – responsible for the adjudication of immigration benefits, including naturalization, lawful permanent residency (“green card” status), family and employment-based applications, work authorization, adoption, and political asylum/refugee status.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) adjudicates Applications for Labor Certification (also known as PERM), which are filed with certain employment-based immigration petitions. The DOL additionally reviews Labor Condition Applications for nonimmigrant and seasonal workers, and establishes standards for wages and employment conditions for foreign nationals.